In this article, we'll explore how external stimuli fueled sustainable motivation through a personal journey of transformation for one of our readers, Thomas Corr.  Here is his story.

An External Stimulus Gets the ‘Flywheel Going’

Adrienne Duffy from The Strategic Coach once said, “Motivation requires something from the outside to activate you.”  Could that ‘force’ be a tiny lapdog or an immersive Latin American ‘Aventura’?

Before meeting my ‘tinder’ (the spark to my transformation), I was an emotionally detached, arrogant senior executive. Despite a seemingly successful 25+ years in my professional career, I was on the brink of emotional bankruptcy.

Then came a ripple in the universe. My ex-sister-in-law called, “There’s a problem with my sister, ya gotta get Twinkles, quick!” Twinkles, a diminutive lapdog, had lived a sheltered existence and had never even walked on green grass.

One life-changing day, I remembered a scene from ‘The Jerk,’ where Steve Martin drags his new dog out the front door against its will. I knew change often involves the discomfort of breaking an impasse.

Collar on, I dragged Twinkles out the door. She resisted fiercely, but I persisted, knowing it was for her own good—and mine. This traumatic event between us led to a special bond and growing trust. After all, discomfort is often the external force needed to jump-start growth, and that day, everything changed!

The Case for Change

The promise of this burgeoning relationship inspired me to improve my demeanor radically. My friends tolerated my flaws, but Twinkles wouldn’t.

So, I proposed a motivational manifesto:

• Shatter prejudices.
• Live on adrenaline and curiosity.
• Embrace daily variability and surprises.
• Go somewhere unfamiliar, learn a new language, and embrace a new culture.
• Break down barriers to acceptance and defy perceptions.

Our goal was simple: ‘Think Different, Think Better.’

Embracing a New Environment

After researching and consulting friends, we decided to relocate to Medellin, Colombia. This 'Mission Impossible' was a curious yet virtuous endeavor.

Upon arrival, I realized I needed to change. ‘Tirade Tom’ would not be socially tolerated; I had to become ‘Tranquilo Tom.’ Relaxed, adaptable, and calm. Similarly, Twinkles had the chance to evolve into ‘Twinkles, La Princesa.’

During stressful times, we would take invigorating strolls through the park. One day, while walking, two Colombianas approached us, captivated by Twinkles. They asked, “Como se llama la perrita?” I replied, “Twinkles,” which led to confusion due to the pronunciation. Quick thinking led to me saying, “Twinkle, como se brilla.” Their expressions were priceless as they started singing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” in Spanish.

Do Daring Things

• Do something you didn’t want to do.
• Do something you never imagined you could do.
• Do something you weren’t supposed to do.

Together, Twinkles and I did incredible things. As Ted Lasso said, “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re too comfortable, you’re not doing it right.”

We ventured into Comuna 13, a monument to positive change. Once a notorious area, it had been transformed by Pablo Escobar, who poured tons of money into its revival.

While there we found humor in a sign reading, “Chihuahuas, el mejor amigo del hombre. De venta aquí.” Twinkles became the star of a funny moment, perching next to the sign as I took a photo. The locals laughed, breaking down cultural barriers and fostering a sense of belonging.

Goal Achieved: Think Different, Think Better

After three adventurous years, we returned to America. ‘Tirade Tom’ and ‘Timid Twinkles’ were replaced by ‘Tranquilo Tom’ and ‘Twinkles La Princesa,’ more patient, empathetic, confident, and intrepid. We had done things we didn’t want to do, weren’t supposed to do, and never imagined we could do. Together, we celebrated the joy of doing incredible things.

The “Flywheel Effect” as a business concept was introduced by Jim Collins in his book Good To Great. It states that companies become exceptional not from a single intervention but from the accumulation of little wins over years of hard work. Our journey exemplifies this principle, showing that sustainable motivation can be fueled by external stimuli and daring to defy the norm.

To find out more about Thomas' journey, you may visit his website: www.getting-unleashed.com

This article was written by Thomas Corr and adapted for publishing in collaboration with the Be Inspired Staff. This article and all photos are owned by Thomas Corr and are copyright-protected.  If you are interested in the redistribution of any of the materials found in this article ,please contact Thomas Corr directly here tom@getting-unleashed.com